Several Brené Brown TED Talks later, I found a therapist certified in her work.

This wasn’t my first encounter with a therapist.

But it’s by far been my most enlightening and effective.

I’ve learned that we all experience shame — the fear that our flaws make us unlovable.

So, it seemed, if we all have shame, then we’re all capable of developing resilience to it.

I found hope in the idea that I could learn to move through my fears and anxieties with courage.

Now, I practice courage every single day — knowing that the strongest teacher for my children is my example.

And the best part of being a recovering perfectionist?

Knowing that I don’t have to be a perfect example for them.

I just have to try my best each day to love and remember that awkward, unsure, beautifully imperfect eighth-grader inside of me.

Then give her the compassion she couldn’t find for herself and remind her of her own inherent lovability.

Because I can’t offer to my children what I don’t first have for myself.

Amanda Sanchez is the vision and voice behind Little Miss Fearless. What started as a personal style blog in 2012 — symbolizing her courage to let her imperfect self be seen in a quasi-perfect fashion world — emerged into a “real-life” blog that celebrates struggles, strengths and the courage to be imperfect. You can follow her at https://littlemissfearless.com